This French Riviera town looks across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, with sandy Mediterranean beaches and a 1920s casino. The old port area draws local fishermen and yachts.
Sainte-Maxime sits on the northern shore of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, where the Massif des Maures mountains slope down to the Mediterranean Sea. You can watch boats cross the bay from the palm-lined Promenade Aymeric Simon-Lorière, browse the morning market for local cheeses, or swim at La Croisette beach. The town's 800-boat marina leads into narrow streets where local shops and cafés fill the old quarter, and regular ferries connect you to Saint-Tropez across the water.
Daily Life in the Old Town
In the old quarter behind the marina, bakers pull fresh baguettes from ovens by 7 AM, while butchers prepare cuts of meat and local sausages. Visit the covered market on Rue Fernand Bessy each morning to sample Provence cheeses, buy seasonal fruits, or stop at the oyster bar. During summer evenings, craftspeople and musicians gather at Place du Marché, and you'll find locals enjoying ice cream near the stone lavoir - the town's former public washing station.
Beaches and Water Activities
The 10-kilometer coastline includes several distinct beaches. La Croisette beach has a sailing school and calm swimming waters protected by the bay. At La Nartelle's 2-kilometer sandy stretch, you can learn water skiing or try parasailing. Pointe des Sardinaux has small coves that form natural swimming pools, with pine trees creating natural shade for picnicking.
Historical Sites and Museums
The Tour Carrée, built in 1520 to watch for pirates, now contains the Museum of Local Traditions. You can visit Wednesday through Sunday from 3 PM to 6 PM to see exhibits about daily life in old Sainte-Maxime. Near La Nartelle beach, examine a Sherman tank from the 1944 Allied landings - discovered in 2011 when a storm washed away the sand that had hidden it since World War II.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Les Bateaux Verts ferries leave the marina for Saint-Tropez every 15 minutes, letting you skip the traffic on coastal roads. The boat ride crosses the gulf with views of both towns and the Mediterranean coastline. From Sainte-Maxime, drive 30 minutes to reach the stone houses and narrow lanes of medieval Gassin and Ramatuelle, or follow marked trails through the Massif des Maures mountains.
